Iran: The Latest

Donald Trump has threatened a "decapitation" strike to restart the war if negotiations with Iran fail. Iran denies talks are underway, but Tehran is certainly talking with one country: Oman. It is closing in on a Strait of Hormuz deal that would grant Iranian control over inbound shipping, potentially allowing it to charge fees on everything from oil to fertiliser. Amid fresh missile strikes on commercial vessels near Oman, how will the US respond?On today’s episode of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant speaks with Danny Citrinowicz, Senior Fellow at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), about whether Iran is strategically dragging out the conflict. They analyse how the Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars are “very close” to merging into a single global front, why US military posture is buckling in the Gulf, and how collapsing ceasefire deals in Lebanon and Gaza expose the limits of Trump’s Middle East strategy. HighlightsTrump threatens ‘decapitation’ strike if Iran negotiations failWhy the Iran and Ukraine wars are ‘very close’ to merging CONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantDanny Citrinowicz, senior fellow at Institute for National Security Studies @citrinowicz  WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump cut out of new deal to reopen Strait of Hormuzhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/04/iran-and-oman-near-deal-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz/Trump’s Hamas disarmament plan unravelshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/03/donald-trump-hamas-disarmament-deal-unravelling/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/

Israel and the US consider are considering land blockade on Iran, as President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu look to tighten the economic squeeze on Tehran. Elsewhere, the security landscape has been rocked by the news that a British national has been arrested on charges of spying on a UK military base in Cyprus, casting fresh concerns over the regional expansion of this conflict.On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Henry Bodkin, Jerusalum Correspondent speaks to Lottie Tiplady-Bishop, acting US news editor, about the geopolitical implications of this proposed land blockade, the fragile reality behind Trump’s Gaza disarmament deal, and attitudes inside the US. Plus, Henry and Lottie discuss the latest retaliatory strikes on US assets in Kuwait, the ongoing naval tension in the Strait of Hormuz, and how Saudi Arabia is scrambling to organize a new maritime alliance to secure the Bab el-Mandeb.HighlightsHamas agrees to disarm: Is this the first step to peace or a trap in Gaza?Iran land blockade: Could a US-Israel alliance tighten the economic vice on Tehran?UK spy arrest: British national detained for allegedly surveilling RAF AkrotiriCONTRIBUTORS:Henry Bodkin, Jerusalem Correspondent @HenryBodkinLottie Tiplady-Bishop, acting US news editor @lottietipbishopWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/31/israel-us-iran-blockade-economy-trump-netanyahu-middle-east/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/30/hamas-agree-to-disarm-gaza-strip/ ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/

The conflict between Iran and the US has intensified sharply as President Trump delivers on his promise to strike “very hard,” launching a massive wave of attacks against IRGC command centres and drone facilities. Further afield, a drone strike on a US-owned gas tanker in Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta has now dragged the conflict into a new, volatile theatre, raising urgent questions about the reach of Iran’s drone warfare.On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Sophie O’Sullivan speaks to David Blair, The Telegraph’s Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, about the reality of the US military’s 14-day strike plan, the tactical risks of widening the war to the Mediterranean, and why Saudi Arabia is now pushing for urgent de-escalation.Plus, Sophie and David discuss the Iraqi government’s furious response to the strikes, examine why US troops in the Middle East may soon be forced to surrender their mobile phones to maintain operational security, and analyse the latest developments in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.Highlights Trump prepares 14-day strike plan: Will this blitz effectively dismantle Iran’s capabilities?US tanker struck in Egypt: Is the conflict spreading to the Mediterranean?Security risk: US troops in the Middle East may be forced to surrender phones for security.CONTRIBUTORS:Sophie O’Sullivan, journalist and Ukraine: the Latest producer David Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator @davidblairdtWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/30/trumps-general-draws-up-plans-for-14-days-of-iran-strikes/?recomm_id=1b169994-a91c-4c17-aad7-04111941eb17 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/29/iran-us-war-latest-israel-trump-strikes-strait-of-hormuz/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/20/us-prepares-all-out-war-iran-sending-more-jets-middle-east/ ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/

The conflict between Iran and the US has entered a volatile new phase as Saudi Arabia joins American forces in striking Tehran’s proxies across Iraq. The move comes after drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities alongside Tehran’s surprise missile barrage against US positions in Jordan, the first unprovoked attack by Iran since the war began. Is Riyadh’s public military intervention a decisive check on Iranian expansionism, or has the regional firestorm spiralled beyond diplomatic control?On Wednesday’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Sophie O’Sullivan speaks to David Blair, The Telegraph’s Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, about the strategic implications of Saudi Arabia’s involvement and what the 3.8 per cent spike in global oil prices signals for the international market.Plus, Arthur Scott-Geddes and Sophie discuss the deepening military collaboration between Tehran and Beijing, examine the fallout from the high-stakes Trump-Netanyahu meeting in Washington and ask why Iran has definitively rejected Oman’s latest proposal to stabilise shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.HighlightsSaudi Arabia joins US strikes: A strategic shift or a dangerous gamble?Tehran’s unprovoked missile barrage hits US bases in JordanChina arms Iran: The deal that could change the war’s trajectoryCONTRIBUTORS:Sophie O’Sullivan, journalist and Ukraine: the Latest producer Arthur Scott-Geddes, deputy editor Global Health Security @ascottgeddesDavid Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator @davidblairdtWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/27/trump-us-more-weapons/ ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/

Seventeen days into the conflict between the US and Iran, the frontline is expanding as drone attacks continue to test the ceasefire and new flashpoints emerge in the Red Sea. Is the Houthi blockade of critical shipping lanes a calculated attempt to mirror Iran’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, or a desperate move to force concessions from Saudi Arabia?On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Arthur Scott-Geddes speaks to Memphis Barker, The Telegraph’s Senior Foreign Correspondent, about the reality of these escalating tactics and what they mean for the global oil market. They discuss the significance of Donald Trump’s high-stakes meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu today, and how the conflict is forcing nations as distant as Australia to fundamentally rethink their national energy security. Plus, Ben Farmer, our Africa Correspondent, joins the conversation to explain the unexpected and worrying resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia as a direct side effect of the war.HighlightsTactical diplomacy or a critical missile shortage?What the Israeli Prime Minister is demanding from WashingtonWhy the markets are reacting to the halt in hostilitiesCONTRIBUTORS:Arthur Scott-Geddes, deputy editor Global Health Security @ascottgeddesMemphis Barker, Senior Foreign Correspondent @memphisbarkerBen Farmer, Africa Correspondent @benfarmerDTWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Somali pirates are back, fuelled by Iran war. By Mohamed Gabobe andBen Farmer: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/d08ca6627b5840c0 Iran’s deadliest kamikaze drone yet sends a message to Trump. By Akhtar Makoii: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/28/iran-new-kamikaze-drone-stealthier-faster-deadlier/ Trump caught between Zelensky’s wish for peace and Netanyahu’s thirst for war. By Joe Barnes and Connor Stringer: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/27/trump-caught-between-zelenskys-wish-for-peace-and-netanyahu/ Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/

The US has halted its air strikes on Iran, creating a sudden pause in a conflict that has raged for nearly two weeks. Is this a strategic move to allow for diplomacy, or has the American military been forced to back down by a critical shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles? On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Arthur Scott-Geddes speaks to David Blair, The Telegraph’s Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, about the reality of the situation in Washington and the potential fallout across the region. They discuss the growing concerns over dwindling US munition stocks, the impact of the pause on global oil prices, and what Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to secure in his upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump. Plus, the team analyses a surprising new front in the war: Ukraine’s brazen strike on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea, and what message Kyiv is trying to send to the White House.HighlightsTactical diplomacy or a critical missile shortage?What the Israeli Prime Minister is demanding from WashingtonWhy the markets are reacting to the halt in hostilitiesCONTRIBUTORS:Arthur Scott-Geddes, deputy editor Global Health Security @ascottgeddesDavid Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator @davidblairdtWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkTL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: James EnglandExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met US President Donald Trump in Washington this week with a historic proposal: end the war between Lebanon and Israel, force an Israeli withdrawal from the south, and disarm Iran’s proxy group Hezbollah. Could it work? On today’s bonus episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Lama Amine, arts director at local charity Seenaryo, about the reality for civilians caught up in the conflict in Lebanon, how people are worried the latest escalation in Iran will spillover, and why Hezbollah would just be replaced by a similar group if it was disarmed. Plus, first-person accounts of what it’s like to live under the shadow of war. Excerpts from pieces written for Seenaryo by Syrian refugee Eman Fisal Almodhi, read by Irish actor Jessie Buckley, and a WhatsApp conversation between Lebanese women displaced in south Lebanon, read by British-Lebanese-Palestinian actor Sirine Saba. HighlightsTrump’s Lebanon dilemma: Why Israel can't win this warVoices from Lebanon on life under the shadow of warCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyLama Amine, director of arts at SeenaryoWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Lebanon’s leader seeks Trump’s help to end occupation and insurrectionhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/21/lebanons-leader-seeks-trumps-help-end-occupation/ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/

As this new round of war enters its 13th day, US President Donald Trump has signalled he is close to deciding whether to launch a "massive attack" on Iran. The IRGC has declared that UK bases including RAF Fairford are legitimate targets, accusing new Prime Minister Andy Burnham of aiding US heavy B-1 bomber strikes.On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by chief Washington correspondent Connor Stringer and acting US news editor Lottie Tiplady-Bishop to break down the White House's military strategy, the political rift tearing through the Republican’s MAGA base, and how the war has led to dwindling missile stockpiles, war cash, and strategic oil reserves. Plus, Trump linking Israeli normalisation to the US-Saudi nuclear deal, why new British foreign secretary Ed Miliband is not popular in the White House, and the news of fresh US tariffs on the UK, Europe and other countries. HighlightsTrump weighs 'bigger than ever, massive attack' against Iran IRGC calls UK bases including RAF Fairford ‘legitimate targets’CONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyConnor Stringer, chief Washington correspondent @connorstringerLottie Tiplady-Bishop, acting US news editor @lottietipbishopWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Short of missiles and cash for war, now Trump is running out of oilhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/23/short-of-missiles-cash-for-war-now-trump-running-out-oil/UK ‘ready to defend itself’ after Iran threatens to strike RAF basehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/23/iran-threatens-to-attack-raf-fairford/White House concerned over Miliband as Foreign Secretaryhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/21/white-house-deeply-concerned-miliband-foreign-secretary/Trump punishes Britain for China ties with 10pc tariffhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/23/trump-punishes-britain-for-china-ties-with-10pc-tariff/Trump tells Saudi: No nuclear deal unless you recognise Israelhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/23/trump-tells-saudi-no-nuclear-deal-unless-recognise-israel/ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Chris JanuaryExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/